KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged private hospitals to reserve 20 percent beds for COVID-19 patients.

Spokesperson at the Ministry Dr. Jageshwor Gautam said at a regular press briefing that this request was made to the private hospitals amid the growing threat of deadly coronavirus infection in the country including the Kathmandu Valley of late.

The Shukraraj Tropical Hospital, Bir Hospital, TU Teaching Hospital, Armed Police Hospital, Patan Hospital, CIVIL Hospital, Bhaktapur Hospital and Kirtipur based Ayurvedic Hospital have already been recognized as COVID-19 treatment hub hospitals in the valley.

Dr. Gautam added that if any COVID-19 patient is admitted at any hospital, the patient should be treated in the same hospital with proper coordination with any hub hospitals.

He also said the total number of infections has reached 25,551 in the country as of Friday. Of them, 17,077 have returned home after complete recovery.